Ageism and Dementia

Abstract

The term 'dementia' covers a range of neurological diseases whose most common symptoms include memory loss, disorientation, behavioural changes and difficulties with thinking or problem solving. Dementias are progressive, which means that the structure and chemistry of the brain become increasingly damaged over time. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) accounts for approximately 60% of dementias but there are many other types including Vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and Fronto-temporal dementia. Each of these has different neurological characteristics and causes specific symptoms, but it is important to recognise that the experience of dementia, whatever the type, is unique for each individual person.The number of people affected by dementia worldwide is predicted to rise from 47 million in 2015 to 75 million by 2030 and 130 million by 2050. This situation has led to calls for dementia to be recognised as a global public health priority from the EU (European Parliament 2010), the World Health Organisation (2015) and many individual countries.Although dementia is not an unavoidable consequence of ageing, and the phenomenon of early-onset dementia is widely recognised, increasing age is undoubtedly the biggest risk factor. For example, the number of people who develop AD before the age of 65 only represents 5% of all those with the disease. The prevalence of dementia increases exponentially with age in all parts of the world. Prevalence doubles with every 5

A Cross-National Study of Dementia Stigma Among the General Public in Israel and Australia

“…First, higher levels of knowledge about the disease have been reported to be associated with lower levels of stigmatic attitudes [33][34][35]. Second, the stigma associated with old age was found to reinforce dementia stigma, reflecting a phenomenon called "double stigma" [36]. Finally, while for many years having more familiarity with persons with a disease was hypothesized as being associated with decreased stigma [37], lately, the direction of this association is controversial for both mental illnesses [38], and for dementia stigma [13,26].…”

Can extra care housing support the changing needs of older people living with dementia?

“…It is well established that social isolation can impact on quality of life for older people in general (Bowling and Iliffe, 2011) and for people with dementia in particular (Cohen-Mansfield, 2007). Other possible impacts of dementia-related stigma for individuals are low self-esteem, feelings of shame and dehumanisation (Evans, 2018).…”

Virtual reality program to develop dementia‐friendly communities in Japan

“…In Japan and other parts of the world, the increasing number of older people with dementia may contribute to ageism in the community, due to the general population's lack of awareness and knowledge of dementia 1 . Ageism is stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination against people on the basis of their age 2 .…”